No Harden, cont., and now Bradley out, too

Milton Bradley was still getting examined while everyone else was packing up to leave for Baltimore, so there’s no word on what the outfielder’s status is, but considering that he had a recurrence of the left hamstring strain that already has knocked him out of a week of action this month, it’s highly probably he’ll go on the DL. That also would make for a simple roster move to add a spot starter to fill in for Rich Harden.

As noted before today’s game, Harden won’t make his Tuesday start at Baltimore. It’s now official, however…and it’s important to note that Harden is not going on the DL with the shoulder discomfort that has kept him out the past week. Manager Bob Geren said he hopes to get Harden back into the rotation toward the end of the week. Harden re-emphasized that he felt great while throwing on Sunday. He didn’t want to push it with a side session, though, feeling it’s better to be cautious, especially this time of year.

There’s no official announcement on Harden’s replacement, but the fact that Brad Halsey was scratched from his start at Sacramento last night and didn’t start for the RIver Cats today, either, is a clear sign that he’s in line to start Tuesday. (In fact, it’s likely he’s on a plane to Baltimore right about now.) The A’s are considering several options, but Hasley is pitching extremely well and has the most big-league experience among the A’s minor-leaguers. Colby Lewis has an outside shot as does long man Lenny DiNardo.